Big Island East Shore Beach Park
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
Pohoiki’s black-sand beach grew from lava fragments created during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and carried along the coast by waves and currents. Plan a shore visit; do not swim or wade here. Stay well back from breaking waves and follow posted warnings. A calm-looking surface does not establish safe water entry.
Check the County park-closure calendar before driving. It lists Isaac Hale closures on November 19 and December 17, 2026, with reopening scheduled for 9 a.m. the following day. A scheduled reopening is not a day-of access confirmation. County park-closure calendar
Directions to Isaac Hale Beach Park
Confirm the current driving route and park access before leaving. Follow road signs and barriers, and do not rely on an old map or a planned construction completion date as proof that a road is open.
Essential Tips for a Great Visit
- Shoreline safety: Plan a shore visit; do not swim or wade here. Stay well back from breaking waves and follow posted warnings. A calm-looking surface does not establish safe water entry.
- Parking: Use only designated parking and obey closures. Check the County park-closure calendar before driving.
- Facilities: Bring drinking water. Confirm current restrooms, lifeguard staffing and camping availability with the County; do not assume camping is offered. Check boat-launch status separately with DLNR.
John enjoying the waves coming in.
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Planning a Pohoiki visit
Shoreline viewing and access checks
- Shore visit: Keep this stop to shoreline viewing from well back from the waves. Skip pool entry, cave exploration and water activities; choose another outing if the park is closed or conditions are unsuitable.
- Boat-ramp check: DLNR reported on October 23, 2025, that the channel cleared earlier that month had filled again with sand, cobbles and lava rocks. Do not treat park access as confirmation that the boat ramp is usable; check DLNR before planning a launch. DLNR’s dated boat-ramp update
Photos of Isaac Hale Beach
